DJ IJJ with Música Macondo continues to bring to the surface the lost and forgotten vinyl treasures of the world. This time it’s all Calypso. Calypsos subterranean roots can be traced to Kaiso of West-Africa and it is one of the truly original sounds of the Caribbean. Calypsos mellow rhythms, the humorous and often playful lyrics and the overall culture drawing from the age-old griot traditions inspired its spread to the whole world in the 1950’s. This mix showcases a few of those inspired tracks from Europe and some rare gold from Caribbean. Take your time and listen to the roots sound of the Caribbean…
Tracklist:
Lord Shorty – Indian Singers – 1966 – Trinidad & Tobago
‘Very rare record and brilliant song and the spiritual start of the Chutney music fusing Calypso with Indian sounds. Shorty was a true pioneer and would later in his career be critical player in birthing of the Soca.’
Olavi Virta – Matilda – 1958 – Finland
‘Relaxed and funny cover of the King Radio/Harry Belafonte hit from the Finnish legend. Opening verse says ”If you go too deep on Calypso, prepare to lose your money”. Deeper you go the more you can relate to that.’
Black Czar – My Visit to Seville – 1960’s – Panama
‘Big track from the little-known Black Czar. Great vibe, bi-lingual vocals and guitar in this rare Spanish tinged song.’
Laurel Aitken – Nebuchenezer – 1958 – Jamaica/UK
‘True Jamaican/UK legend Laurel Aitkens debut single for Kalypso label with gospel influenced Calypso. Aitken was involved with so much good stuff its really a mystery how he managed to do it all.’
Numidia Vaillant – Puumala Calypso – 1962 – Cuba/Finland
‘Very rare Afro-Cuban Calypso on this 7” soundtrack from little-known Finnish movie Day or Night. Vaillant and another Cuban Jose Guerra recorded this while visiting Finland in summer 1962. She went on to have a small role in the movie.’
Mighty Bomber – Unemployment Situation – 1960’s – Grenada/Trinidad & Tobago
‘Very catchy track by a Grenadian born Bomber with cool minor arrangement and and a fine example of calypso as a social commentary. Lyrics are as relevant today than when published.’
Nina & Fredrik – Man Smart Woman Smarter – 1958 – Denmark/Netherlands
‘Long forgotten cover of the Calypso standard by a folk duo Baron Frederik Van Pallandt and his wife. Van Pallandt later became weed smuggler and was shot dead in Philippines in 1994.’
King Short Shirt – Ital Dread – 1970’s – Antigua
‘Antigua’s favorite calypsonian with the tight Socalypso sound of the time and some cool Rastafarianism-related lyrics on the joys of THE herb.’
Mighty Kaieteur – Drunk Man – 1960’ to 1970’s – Guyana
‘Easy-going and soulful Calypso by very under the radar calypsonian. Wickedly mellow and fun storytelling on this rare number.’
Lord Cobra Y Los Pana Afros – Hindu – 1960’s – Panama
‘Killer string band Calypso sound from Panama with awesome vocals by Lord Cobra singing about his adventures when disguised as Hindu. Just superb track and very rare early version of the song.’
Brita Koivunen – Sävel Rakkauden – 1958 – Finland
‘Jazzy Calypso love song from invisible 7” split EP between Koivunen and Laila Kinnunen. Koivunen was one of the most versatile Finnish singers of all times.’
Sir Valentino – Masters Are Gone – 1960’s – Panama
‘Huge Calypso murder ballad and Afro-Lamento from Panamanian Sir Valentino. Guitar/Ukulele playing is phenomenal on this very scarce Padisco label release 001. One of the greatest Pan-African anthems out of the whole Caribbean.’